Diachronic Semantics of the Term Kitab in the Quran

“Kitab” is one of the key words in the Quran. The present article seeks to study the concept of “kitab” following the method of diachronic analysis and reach its exact position and meanings in the semantic system of the Quran. The literal meaning of kitab is writing and something written, while its usage in other meanings such as sewing, predetermination, and predestination is figurative. kitab has been applied to writing, something written, a written letter, and heavenly books in the ignorance era. Considering kitab a loanword, linguists hold that this word has been originally used in the meaning of writing and something written. Acquiring an extension of meaning in the holy Quran, the term kitab is applied to a stage of divine knowledge, divine ontological and legislated laws, and the record deeds of men in addition to its literal sense. The term kitab in its collocation with some other concepts has acquired a certain semantic aspect, leading to a firm link with the origin as well as the ultimate object of revelation.